MILLVILLE – Commencement is a little more than two weeks away for the Millville High School Class of 2017, but on Thursday its highest overall academic achievers celebrated early at a Millville Kiwanis luncheon.

The high school sent the 10 seniors with the best overall grade-point averages to take bows. Last month, the 10 seniors with the best GPAs in career and technical programs got the same honor.

Principal Stephanie DeRose introduced the group and talked about the students' unique history. She was principal at Memorial High School when these students were freshmen. Last May, she became principal for both schools.

Millville High School seniors Olivia Weldon and Mallory Messier chat during the honoring of the Top 10 graduates by the Millville Kiwanis at the Thunderbolt Club on Thursday, June 1. Justin Odendhal/Staff Photo

Millville High School principal Stephanie DeRose receives flowers during an honoring of the Top 10 graduates by the Millville Kiwanis at the Thunderbolt Club on Thursday, June 1. Justin Odendhal/Staff Photo

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Messier also was a member of the National Honor Society and the swim team as well as choir and theater productions.

“She had a lot of activity, which really stretched her schedule thin,” said her dad, Mike Messier. “I think she’s been the easiest kid ever. She’s just self-motivated and self-disciplined. You don’t have to check up on her. She just does it all on her own.”

Number 9 in the group, McKenna Rhys McFarland, also was in the National Honor Society and was manager for the girls' basketball and boys' track teams.

McFarland, who’s headed to Marymount University in Virginia, said breaking into the Top 10 wasn’t as stressful as ensuring she didn’t let it slip away.

“I wish I could take more credit,” said her mother, Kelly Hughey. “She’s got an amazing work ethic, and education has always been her focus. Up until a couple years ago, she was going to be a teacher. And it didn’t surprise anybody because she’s been so focused and dedicated. And I think it shows. She has a lot of support from the faculty because she puts in the time and the effort.”

Olivia Rose Weldon, number four, also was a member of the Top 10 career and technology group so this was her second time in a month at Kiwanis.

“Olivia has always excelled in everything she’s done, whether it’s in the classroom or on an athletic field,” said Megan Finch-Weldon, her mother. “She loves children. She’s kind-hearted. I can see her having a career working with children.”

Finch-Weldon, a teacher at the Child Family Center, described her as “pretty much a perfect child.”

“She’s very well-rounded,” said her father, Bob Weldon.

Olivia Weldon will attend The College of New Jersey, where her mother went for college. “She’s undecided (on a major) right now but she loves children,” she said.